Studer A-827 multi-track

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The Studer A-827 multi-track analogue tape machine is often referred to as the “Swiss Watch” of analogue tape machines. They were actually designed and manufactured in Switzerland until the late 1980’s. This is truly the last great analogue multitrack machine that was manufactured.

Kelly Pribble
Kelly Pribble
Director, Media Preservation Technology | Iron Mountain Media & Archive Services
27 January 20237 mins
Studer A-827 Multi-Track

The Studer A-827 multi-track analogue tape machine is often referred to as the “Swiss Watch” of analogue tape machines. They were actually designed and manufactured in Switzerland until the late 1980’s. This is truly the last great analogue multitrack machine that was manufactured.

A prominent feature of this machine is the electronic calibration. On other machines you have to physically take a screwdriver and align multiple calibrations per channel. With the A-827 you go through the software channels electronically rather than physically, making the procedure a breeze.

Another interesting feature about the software is that it has the capability to remember two different calibrations per speed. It can also back up all settings and calibrations in the memory to an external source, which allows you to take the software wherever you like and load it into another A-827 if needed.

This particular machine is also incredibly versatile, and extremely well made. It allows for incredibly safe handling of any one-of a-kind master, some of which are over 50 years old. By changing the head blocks and guides, multiple formats can be accommodated. This machine enables us to provide the highest quality preservation possible, and that's incredibly reassuring.

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